The annual “swan upping” census on the River Thames has revealed a significant decline in the swan population, marking the lowest numbers since 2016.
In a five-day search conducted between London and Oxfordshire, only 86 young swans were found, representing a 45% decrease over the past two years.
David Barber, the King’s Swan Marker, reported a troubling decline in swan numbers, attributing the drop to a combination of factors including catapult and air-gun shootings, avian flu, and pollution.
“I can’t say that it was a good year; unfortunately, the numbers were lower than last year,” Barber said.
The tradition of swan upping, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is a summer spectacle on the Thames. Teams of rowers, dressed in bright colors, traverse the river under the guidance of the King’s Swan Marker, who wears a swan’s feather in his cap.
The event serves both as a medieval ceremony and a modern conservation effort, involving the counting, weighing, and measuring of swans before their release back into the river.
Despite hopes for a recovery this year, following the impact of avian flu last year, the results have been disappointing.
The ongoing challenges have made the sight of swans on the Thames increasingly rare. Barber noted that the decline might still be influenced by avian flu affecting breeding pairs and high flood waters earlier in the year washing away nests.
Pollution also poses a significant threat, with some swans found covered in engine oil. Barber highlighted the impact of human activities, such as “catapult and air-gun shootings,” which have exacerbated the situation. “The poor swan has rather a lot to contend with these days,” he said.
The swan upping event remains unique and draws attention from around the world each July. This year’s event included involvement from local schools along the river, aimed at promoting wildlife protection and raising awareness about the threats faced by swans.
The educational component of the event seeks to foster a greater respect for wildlife and reduce harm caused by human activities.
In previous years, the event has also addressed issues such as the dangers posed by discarded fishing tackle and hooks.
The historical significance of swan upping, which originally served as a method for counting swans as valuable property owned by the Crown, continues to evolve as a modern conservation tool.
Barber emphasized the need for increased protection for swans and greater public education to mitigate the impact of modern threats.
As swan upping continues to attract global attention, there is a growing call for enhanced conservation measures to preserve this iconic symbol of the Thames.
With the swan population facing ongoing challenges, the tradition of swan upping remains a poignant reminder of both the historical and contemporary efforts to safeguard these majestic birds.
